Why Peter Obi did’t visit Oba of Lagos

Dayo Ekong, the chairman of the Labor Party (LP) in Lagos State, has explained why the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, did not visit the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, during his mega rally in the state on Saturday.

Unlike in other states where Mr. Obi always invites to visit traditional rulers before starting his campaign, he started in Lagos at the Alaba International Market, which is dominated by traders from the south-east region of the country.

He then went to Tafawa Balewa Square, where a carnival-like campaign was held with many supporters and party loyalists.

While many termed Mr. Obi’s actions as disrespectful, Mrs. Ekong, in an interview on Arise TV on Monday, said the LP presidential aspirant actually tried to pay a courtesy visit to the traditional rulers but met with a brick wall.

He said, “People are saying what they don’t know. If you have been following Mr. Obi’s campaign train, he went to his royal ancestors to pay respects, Obi tried to see Oba Lagos but we couldn’t see Oba Lagos.”

When asked if Mr. Obi actually returned after reaching the palace, he said, “No, we did not reach the palace. You know usually, when he goes to the palace there must be a provision to tell the Oba that he is on his way. In the same situation they say, the Oba is not available, he (Obi) will not go to an empty palace.

Mrs. Ekong mentioned that Mr. Obi had sent a letter to the Oba and since there was no positive response, he would not go to the empty palace.

“He will not go to an empty palace to see the Oba. The first thing we need to know is that Mr. Obi respects the culture and what he does everywhere.

“This is the 37th general meeting, there is no way Obi will ignore who we call our traditional rulers, chiefs in Lagos State and ignore him,” he said.